Bow mounted trolling motor question ??

[Luna Sea]

Hi Guys,<br />Need a new toy for the spring. I have a 20 ft. Lund, Alaskan and the previous owner had a bow mounted trolling motor. I have gas tanks and batteries in the back of the boat so a stern mount doesn't seem practical. I was reading up on these things and read on one of the sites that bow mounts are usually permanantly attached. I'll be on a mooring for a good part of the season and am wondering if I can make the bow mount easily removable. (i.e. wingnuts or something) Can't seem to get a good enough picture off Minn Kota's or Motorguides website. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

[Stubby]

Re: Bow mounted trolling motor question ??

I just bought a Minn Kota powerdrive. In addition, I purchased a mount that allows you to remove a screw, and slide the trolling motor off. I have not installed it yet, but by the looks of it, it seems like a pretty good design. I think the mount costs around $40.00 from Cabelas.<br /><br />Jason

 

[SharkByte]

Re: Bow mounted trolling motor question ??

I have a MotorGuide trolling motor on my deckboat that uses the Gator mount. This type of system uses a couple of round aluminum disks that are bolted to the bow and the trolling motor bracket slides on and off, with a thumbscrew locking mechanism. Easy to detach and install and looks much cleaner up front when you don't want to use the trolling motor.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Bow mounted trolling motor question ??

Thanks guys, think I'm gettin it but keep em coming! Cause I sure ain't leaving no $500 trolling motor out on the mooring! Looking at the tiller style as figure less bulky co carry around. Looking at the 12volt Riptide. Anyone know the difference between "Latch and Door" vs "Bowguard"? Some of these sites could have more techno. info.

 

[River fish]

Re: Bow mounted trolling motor question ??

I don't know about the motor you have or are looking at but I have had a couple Minn Kota all terrain's and if Im leaving the boat alone all night I take them with me by just un-screwing the big thumb screw on the carriage frame and the motor shaft and foot pedal all come off, If I plan on just leaving the boat unattended for a few hours at the dock in the day time I have about a 12" cable attached to a 1/2" eye bolt and a "u" shaped metal bracket that I lock around the motor shaft, although you could probably eliminate the "u" bracket and just get a big enough padlock to go around the shaft and cable.